Durham's peaceful approach to protest contrasts with Raleigh, Fayetteville
Around the country--and even around the state--we've seen the images of clashes between riot police and protestors. Images of tear gas, flash bangs, fires, looting and rubber bullets sometimes distract from the message protesters are fighting for. Durham, however, has gone a different direction.
Posted — UpdatedAround the country and even in Raleigh, we've seen the images of clashes between police and protestors--including tear gas, flash bangs, fires, looting and rubber bullets.
In Durham — it's a very different scene.
In multiple protests in the Bull City involving hundreds of people, things stayed peaceful and on-message.
"I think we have a real culture of protest in Durham," said Mayor Steve Schewel. "People do it all the time here. It’s something we respect and support. And we believe in protest."
Schewel said he gives credit to protestors and to police alike.
Police Chief CJ Davis has led her department in a more hands-off approach.
As protesters marched to I-147 to block the highway, police helped stop traffic. Chief Davis says the priority is on keeping people safe.
"Right now people just don’t want to have police officers in their face, quite frankly. If we don’t have to be out there, then we won’t," she said.
One of the protest organizers was very adamant that he would actively promote peaceful protest--that's very important to him.
Another organizer said they really didn't encourage protestors one way or another.
On Monday night, police said they did respond to a handful of vandalism reports.
Police said they think about 15 people were behind this vandalism. With around 800 people involved in the peaceful protest, it shows an overwhelming message of community.
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